Meet the Mean Green team

The good folks at CR Brands have made me a Mean Green brand ambassador for 2018 and as such, I get to display the nifty Mean Green banner you can see in my right column and they sent me a collection of Mean Green products to take for a test drive.

I spend a lot of time at home and I spend an undue amount of that time cleaning it seems. I consider myself to be a particular and selective house cleaner and I don't shed my brand loyalties lightly.  With that said, the Mean Green products that showed up here over the past month or so have impressed me mightily and I'll explain why in a moment.

Before I get to that, let me show you the Mean Green products I'll be working with for the next few months.

Mean Green Super Strength

Mean Green Auto & Garage

Mean Green Mildew Destroyer

Mean Green Orange Champ

The product line is rounded out with Mean Green Anti-Bacterial, Mean Green Boat and Vehicle, Mean Green Car Wash (with hose-end applicator), Mean Green Concrete and Driveway Degreaser, Mean Green Heavy Duty Wipes, Mean Green House, Deck and Fence, Mean Green Multi-Purpose and Mean Green Pine Power.

I tend not to use specialty cleaning products in my day to day. Ammonia and hot water is more or less my default cleaning product and I suppose that makes me not only selective, it also makes me cheap.

But my initial trials of these Mean Green products have me second guessing myself. One of the reasons I reach for ammonia so often is that it not only cleans well, it doesn't leave a residue. Well, the mean Green products I've been using work better than my beloved ammonia and they don't leave behind a smear I then have to clean up after I've cleaned.

The Mean Green Mildew Destroyer cleaned the grout lines in my bathrooms and kitchen and honestly, I'd completely given up hope of ever getting my kitchen grout lines clean. I didn't even have to scrub, I just sprayed Mildew Destroyer, let it sit for a few moments and then mopped everything up. Honestly that floor looks brand new.

I bake all the time. I teach baking classes after all so it makes sense that I would bake at home a lot too. I keep my ovens clean but nothing I've ever found can get my oven racks clean. All that changed when I used Mean Green Super Strength on them. I took the racks out of the oven one at a time and set them in the sink. I sprayed them with Super Strength, let them sit for a bit and then rinsed them off. Unbelievable. It worked!

Mean Green Auto and Garage makes short work of engine grease as well as brake dust on wheel covers. Once the weather warms up I'll have it outside and will be able to truly put it through its paces when I wash my car on the driveway.

And finally, Mean Green Orange Champ cleans up my gar cook top better and faster than the plain soap and water I usually use. As a bonus, it makes my kitchen smell like a citrus stand.

Mean Green's website is filled with tips and tricks and there's even a coupon so you can give these products a try,

The whole line of Mean Green products can be found at Lowe's and Walmart; and their website has a store locator to help you find other retailers.

Introducing Roto-Rooter home products

For more than 80 years, the name Roto-Rooter has been synonymous with unclogged drains. Hands down, theirs is the most trusted name in the business and they got that way by doing great work.

Roto-Rooter now makes a line of products that'll keep your drains and septic systems flowing and trouble-free. After all, a drain system you don't have to think about is a good drain system.

The Roto-Rooter home product line consists of

• Gel Clog Remover
• Hair Clog Remover
• Septic Treatment
• Build Up Remover

The Gel Clog Remover is a product I use regularly. My partner and I live in an older home and we have an iron sewer main. Mercifully, no one uses iron waste pipes in older homes but for those of us in homes built before the arrival of PVC pipes, iron is a fact of life.

Iron degrades over time and that degradation results in a waste pipe with a rough surface on the inside. This rough surface acts as a magnet for anything that passes over it that's not strictly water. Hair, soap scum, grease and garbage disposal waste end up catching on the rough surface and before too long the amount of waste that can flow through the pipe starts getting reduced. We notice it when our second floor drains start to slow down.

Ordinarily, we use another brand of drain cleaner I won't mention but last week I treated the drains with Roto-Rooter Gel Clog remover. I followed the instructions to a T and within 15 minutes everything was flowing smoothly again. Amazing.

Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover has 25% more active ingredients than the product I had been using and equally importantly, it has the proper thickness and stickiness (a.k.a. viscosity) to attack the clog by penetrating it. Other products' formulations are too thin and they flow right through a clog or they're too thick and they rest on the surface. Roto-Rooter's increased amount of active ingredients combined with that winning viscosity mean that it works faster as well as working better.

Roto-Rooter products are safe to use on all pipes and septic systems and that's another important consideration I have to bear in mind whenever I have to deal with my old iron pipes. Iron waste lines need to be exposed to as little acid as possible to keep their integrity. Roto-Rooter's formula is sufficiently alkaline to do its job and to keep from damaging my pipes.

It's considered to be some kind of virtue to run vinegar down your sink drains these days but please stop doing that. Vinegar is an acid for starters, so pouring white vinegar down your drain is harming your metal pipes and fittings. But not only that, it doesn't actually do anything to keep your drains free-flowing. Vinegar is a diluted solution of water and acetic acid. By virtue of its chemistry, it can't cut grease or dissolve hair. You need to use something that actually works and I recommend Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover.

You can buy Roto-Rooter products at Lowe's, Walmart and many other places and right now, there's even a dollar off coupon on their website.

Get serious about keep your drains clear and your septic system healthy and stick with Roto-Rooter.

5 Helpful Renovation Tips That Will Increase Your Home's Value

There are many reasons why homes are renovated. Maybe you’re renovating it to boost its value. Maybe you’re thinking of renovating it to boost its practical aspect. Whichever your reason, choosing the right renovations is key.

Choose the right ones and the value of your home will increase. Choose the wrong ones and you risk pouring your hard-earned cash down the drain.

Below are 5 helpful renovation tips that will increase your home’s value:

1. Update your kitchen

Kitchen renovations can really add value to your home. They are what many real estate experts recommend for high returns on investment.

Here are helpful tips to increase the value of your kitchen:

• Make a kitchen rolling stand. A rolling stand will catch most buyer’s attention. 
• Opt for stainless steel countertops. 
• Add a splash of color with a new backsplash. 
• Change the paint. Paint works wonders. It’s also cost-effective. 

2. Boost your curb appeal

Your home’s curb appeal is the first thing buyers see when they drive up the property. When the curb appeal of your home is on point, it’ll welcome potential buyers in and show them that the rest of the home is just as good.

Here are some helpful tips to increase your home’s curb appeal:

• Clean and replace porch lights. You could do this for as little as $30. 
• Update house numbers. New numbers attract the eye. Go big and bold.
• Repaint the front door. The front door is your home’s focal point. Repainting it sets your home apart.
• Give the exterior windows a thorough clean. This job is easier than you think. 
• Primp the porch. Clean it up by getting rid of household clutter and adding some greenery or a pot of flowers.
• Pressure-wash the siding. A home and its walks, steps and decks shine bright after you’ve sluiced away the cobwebs, dead bugs and winter grit. 

3. Give your house a thorough clean 

A clean house speaks volumes about your personality. By making a clean house your priority, you accomplish these three things.

One, a clean house is healthier for you and your family. Two, you prevent dirt and junk to build up over time. And three, you are able to stay on top of maintenance issues, as you are able to spot potential problems before they become expensive ones.

Here are some helpful tips to keep your house clean:

• Clean your fridge door. Clear it off for a cleaner-looking kitchen in seconds. 
• Hide the hamper. Rooms look less clean when piles of dirty clothes are in sight. 
• Make your bed every morning. Not only does this make the entire house look cleaner, it also sets the tone for the rest of your day. 
• Fluff your pillows. This is the easiest, laziest trick in the book. Fluffing all the throw pillows in your living room will breathe new life into the place. 
• Empty all trashcans. This is a lightning-quick cheat to a cleaner-looking home. 
• Sweep and/or vacuum. Vacuuming is like a magic Band-Aid fix. 

4. Update your bathroom

Bathrooms come in a close second when it comes to the rate of return. A bathroom renovation not only increases the comfort level of your home, it can also substantially boost its resale value.

Here are some helpful tips to increase the value of your bathroom:

• Improve ventilation. Moisture is your bathroom’s greatest enemy.
• Boost its lighting. Sconce lighting at the vanity is recommended. 
• Replace your hardware. For example, update the showerheads, faucet handles and drawer pulls. 

5. Let the light in

When it comes to real estate, dark, cramped rooms are no good. Opening up the house to create more of a flow and enhance natural light is one thing that homeowners can do to increase the appeal of their property.

Here are some helpful tips to increase natural light:

• Clean your windows at least once a month.
• Choose lighter colors as often as you can. 
• When picking treatments, treat lightly.
• Place mirrors strategically.
• Clear the space around your windows.

Renovating can be an enjoyable and rewarding process. Use these five tips to add some value to your home.

Budget Friendly Ideas for an Amazing Bedroom Makeover

The bedroom is an important room in your house. Before planning to give it a makeover, planning is key. With proper planning, you’ll be more comfortable and happy with your new room.

If you are on a budget, here are some ideas for an amazing bedroom makeover.

Incorporate a new accent color

Gold accents work wonders when it comes to bedroom makeovers. They can give your bedroom a new life especially if it was formerly navy blue or white.

To achieve this look, use accessories or paint a small piece of furniture like the nightstand.

Avoid matching too much

Rooms with a variety of patterns and colors have the most personality. However, avoid becoming gaudy and creating an eyesore by having everything in a room match.

Give the walls some texture

Adding texture to walls helps create interest in a room. Aside from adding personality, the new wall treatment will help make your room cozier. Thanks to stick-on designs, renovating with wallpaper is no longer a huge production.

Hang a statement mirror

As per Warner Quinlan Inc, Mirrors are not just for the bathroom only. Mirrors create a sense of openness, making your bedroom space appear larger. Also, mirrors help flood in natural light. Suitably placed mirrors help bounce light to create warmth.

Lay down a rug

Not only do rugs create a warm atmosphere, they also help reduce noise, keeping your bedroom quieter. Choose wisely, however, because rugs have the power to change the look and feel of your bedroom completely.

Add plants

Houseplants do more than just make your shelves look brighter. Plants naturally filter air pollutants and produce oxygen while maintain indoor humidity levels. Plants bring tranquility, increase your productivity, reduce your stress levels, enhance your creativity, and boost your mood.

Monitor your pillow population

Pillows are not only comfortable, but they are also cute. However, according to experts, they shouldn’t take up more than 50% of the bed. You only need a lumbar pillow and two sets of appropriately sized bed pillows.

Bring in a bench

Nothing elevates a bedroom faster than a bench at the end of the bed. When choosing a bed bench, you want to pick one that is slightly narrower than your bed. A bed bench adds rich depth, glamorous style, and comfortable convenience to your bedroom décor.

Turn off overhead lights

Keep bedroom lighting subdued for a tranquil space. To achieve this, use three-way bulbs so you can adapt the wattage to your needs or moods. Use wall sconces or nightstand lamps for bedtime reading.

Dress up your windows

A valance can help bring the wow factor to your bedroom. A valance helps provide color and softens the hard lines of windows. When choosing a valance you want to make sure it’s long enough. Also, choose one with the right pattern and fabric.

If your bedroom is looking a little small, try adding a striped rug. Striped rugs not only give a room a modern look, they also correspond with the color scheme and give the room a longer look.

Add interesting trim

Trim is functional in ways you may not realize. The simple addition of trim borders, ribbon or rickrack on shams, pillowcases or bed skirts can yield amazing results.

Buy new bedding

New bedding can make such a huge difference to your bedroom. It can create a whole new look, taking your room from primary to pastel, modern to classic, graphic to girly and more. If you don’t already have one, consider a comforter or a duvet.

Create a reading corner

To make the corner of your bedroom feel like a brand new space, all it takes is a cozy chair, a standing lamp and a new book.

Clear the clutter

Clutter in the bedroom can contribute to fatigue, lack of focus, irritability and difficulty sleeping. Moreover, persistent clutter in your bedroom can negatively impact your health.

There you have it: 14 budget friendly ideas for an amazing bedroom makeover. Use these tips to make your bedroom a sanctuary.

How To Locate Utility Lines Under Your Yard

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If you are considering doing any type of digging or building work in your own yard then you’ll need to start by considering where the utility lines are that serve your property.

In fact, you might even discover there are utility lines for other properties running under your ground! The last thing you want to do is dig straight into one, it can cause a serious injury. In addition you might find yourself facing a substantial bill to repair the problem.

This is why you need to ensure you understand the safe digging tips before you start digging. But, even before you start digging you should identify where the lines are:

Locator Service

You can contact utility location services which will provide you with a free quote to assess your yard. They will then use specialized equipment to scan the ground below your yard and determine what utility lines are present.

Most importantly, once they have located the lines they will be able to provide you with a detailed grid map showing you exactly where they are and how deep they are.

This is the most expensive solution but the best. You will know everything about the utility services running under your ground and what you should do. This usually involves digging somewhere else or staying above their level.

It is very rare that you will want to actually dig up the utility lines. Of course, if you do choose this route then you’ll need to proceed with maximum care. You shouldn’t use any sharp objects when digging near utilities. Water, electricity and you do not mix well together!

Check Your Documents

You can also take a look at the deeds for your house. They should mention if there are any utilities or easements on your property. If there are any it is unlikely that the deeds will give you the exact location and it is also possible that things have changed since the deeds were created.

This is a good guidance point but does not remove the need to use a locator service.

Utility Company

It is possible to call the utility company to get them to come out and mark where the utility lines are.
However, there are a few issues with this approach. You’ll need to contact all the different utility companies; the electric board won’t know where the water lines are.

You may also find there is a significant delay before they can come out, this will hold up your building project.

Additionally, they might not tell you how deep these utilities are, which will not help you to decide whether to continue with your project or not.

A locator service is the best option as they will deal with all utility lines in one go, provide you with depth, and even get to you very quickly.

In addition, they will provide you with guarantees and a host of other information on your land, including boundaries and any other issues you light not know about.

Buying And Selling - The Costs You Need To Know About

If only buying and selling a home was as easy as putting pen to paper to transfer the deeds. According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales were down 3.2% in January 2018 - the second month in a row that a decline was recorded. So, why are sellers failing to attract buyers and why are buyers holding back from making a purchase? One thing that could be to blame is the rising costs of properties. The average selling price of a home is now $240,500 and when you factor in the additional costs of buying and selling, you can see why individuals are put off from making the leap. This is especially true for those looking to buy a first home who particularly feel the financial squeeze.

Tips for sellers

As a seller, it’s your job to make your home the best it can be to lure potential buyers through your front door. You might think investing in a new kitchen or bathroom suite is a waste of time and money, but if it’s going to add value to your home and, ultimately, sell your property then it’s cost definitely worth considering.

When the deal has been done and a price agreed, one of the first things your buyer will do is request a professional home inspection to ensure that the property is kosher and doesn’t have any significant problems, such as damp or electrical faults. Should the inspection pick up any issues, then your buyer might pull out of the sale, request a reduced price or demand repairs are completed before the purchase continues. Therefore, to prevent delays and higher repair costs, it’s best to have your home checked for any issues prior to sale and get them sorted before placing the for sale sign outside your home.

What should buyers consider?

Does the house you’re buying require extensive renovations? If so, you need to consider these costs when making your offer. It’s all well and good comparing the property you’re considering making an offer on to the sale price of the one across the road, but if it requires $20,000 of work, then it’s probably not such a good deal after all.

Additional costs when buying a home soon mount up. There are legal fees to shell out for, between $350 and $550 for a home inspection and when you’re in your new property home insurance is a must to ensure your property, its foundations and your personal belongings are protected in the event of a natural disaster, such as a flood, an accident or a burglary. You’ll likely also want to complete some renovations and basic DIY work when you move in, too, such as giving the kitchen a lick of fresh paint or putting down new flooring in the hallway. To be sure you can afford everything that comes with a home, you may be best putting down a smaller deposit on your home and saving the extra cash to cover your additional costs.

There’s no denying that buying and selling property can be expensive, but, thankfully, there’s plenty of things you can do to ease the pressure of these fees and to ensure a smooth purchase.

Save on Your Home Energy Costs with These Renovations and Changes

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There's no secret that homeowners’ bills have been going up over the past decade, as the cost of living is always on the rise. Unfortunately for many families, increases in wages haven't kept pace making the rise in the cost of living all the more impactful. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average person spent $3,052 per year in energy in 2012, so now six years later you can expect that the total is more.

If the costs of your home energy bills are causing you to stress, then it may be time to look for solutions. There are a number of renovations and changes you can make in your home that will make a difference either immediately or over the long-term, and will help to bring down your energy bills.

Replace Your Windows

Replacing your windows can end up being one of the most effective ways to bring down your home energy bills. When you replace single-paned windows, you can expect to save anywhere from $126-465 a year. Now if you look to upgrade from single-paned to double-paned, you'll be able to save even more.

Obviously replacing all your windows is an investment. The average price to install a remodelled PVC window with a fusion-welded frame is on average $553 according to https://porch.com/project-cost/cost-to-install-remodeling-windows. If replacing all the windows in your home is too much at one time, start with one floor.

Switch Out Old Appliances

Another energy-guzzler in your home is old appliances. All old appliances should be switched out over time and replaced with the latest energy-star rated models. These appliances use up much less energy, and they run more efficiently since they are using today’s technology. Appliances such as your fridge, stove and dishwasher are a must, but don’t forget your electronics like your computer, televisions, stereo and more.

This is the kind of thing you can do over time, focusing on the oldest appliances and electronics first.

Install Dimmer Switches Throughout the Home

Here's a much less expensive tip and one that you can often do yourself. Installing dimmer switches around your home allows you to control how much energy is being used by your lights. As an added bonus, dimmer switches also allow you to better set the mood and atmosphere in a room.

Make Use of Ceiling Fans

If you find you are spending a lot to cool and heat your home, air circulation may be a problem in the space. To help circulate the air better, install ceiling fans throughout the space. In the summer you will want the blades to turn counter clockwise, while in the winter you will reverse the direction and have them move clockwise.

Tips and Changes that Really Add Up in Savings

Depending on the kind of budget you are working with you may only be able to do some of these changes, or perhaps you can do them all. Regardless of what you pick, you will start to see a difference in the amount you spend on your home energy bill.

Step By Step DIY Guide For Your Brand New Loft Room

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Converting a loft is one of the best decisions that you will ever make in your home improvement projects. When you think about the potential of turning your loft into an extremely useful and absolutely beautiful area of your home, it’s probably going to excite you. However, if you’re doing some portions of the loft conversion on your own, you need to read this article to guide you in a DIY loft conversion and design project.

Steps in pulling off a successful DIY loft conversion

Converting your loft involves a lot of factors to consider, but these things should not hinder you from pursuing your plans. That’s why we have this loft conversion guide, to help you navigate through the nitty gritty details.

Start with the basics

Before buying any furniture or tearing down walls, you need to answer the following basic questions in converting a loft:

• Does your local building code allow you to convert your loft?
• Is your roof space tall enough to make your loft conversion plans possible?
• Will the floor below the loft remain unaffected by the changes?

If you answered no to any of these questions, you may want to ask a professional building contractor about your loft conversion plans.

Do the floor

If the floor in your loft is already fit for your needs – say, solid floorboards sitting on strong wooden beams – then you don’t have to worry too much about the loft flooring. Otherwise, you need to carefully plan what kind of flooring you will install in your loft conversion.

Make sure that your loft floor is sturdy enough for your needs. Failing to check the floor integrity may cause you to fall through the ceiling and destroy your loft conversion project in one fell swoop!

Add insulation

Insulating your loft is something that many homeowners fail to consider, and this may lead to extreme temperature changes when you’re inside the loft.

The good news is that putting insulation on your loft has become more convenient than before. You may purchase insulation boards that you can slide in between beams and walls. Make sure that the insulation covers the entire room with minimal gaps, so that you can protect the loft from sudden weather changes.

Before insulating your loft, you should also consider where you will have your windows in order to get enough light in the room. Installing soundproof windows in your brand new loft room would be the icing on the cake! More light and less noise!

Connect to utilities

Planning to convert the loft into a bathroom? You need to check if the plumbing system is accessible. Otherwise, you will have to spend a little more to install additional pipes and fittings.

In short, plan out your loft conversion to include access to necessary utilities such as electricity, water, and gas.

Include safety precautions

Most lofts are not as accessible as the rest of the rooms in your home, and so you need to make sure that safety precautions are put in place. Some measures that you can put in your loft conversion include the following:

• Install smoke detectors
• Put a fire extinguisher
• Install an alternative access door
• Make the windows big enough for people to fit, in case of rescue operations
• Check the electrical system for proper grounding and integrity of circuit breakers

At the end of the day, achieving the perfect loft for your home involves careful planning. By following the tips above, you should be able to enjoy your newly converted loft with less worries and loads of fun and relaxation.

Ten Helpful Tips For Your Next Appliance Purchase

Image source: Pixabay.com

Are you in the market for a new household appliance?

If you are like most homeowners, you plan to upgrade and add new appliances every five years. However, if you are not careful, you will accidentally buy the wrong appliance or buy an appliance that will not fit in your house.

We are here to help!

We put together ten must know tips on buying household appliances.

Read Reviews Of Brands Before Committing To Any Purchase Decisions

Before you commit to purchasing any appliance, read trustworthy reviews on the brand and model. Learn how a particular appliance holds up over time, maintains functionality, and when to expect breakdowns.

Every product, including appliances, has strengths and weaknesses. Some appliances last decades. Others only survive a few years. Trustworthy reviews will help you weed out potential bad products. You can search for a website like Best10anything for the best appliances reviews.

Measure Out Space and Confirm You Can Fit Your Appliances In A Specific Room

When you are planning on upgrading large appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, and washing machines, measure the spaces where new appliances will go. By getting the measurements ahead of time, you will reduce the likelihood that you will buy an appliance that does not fit in your home.

With appliances that need ventilation, make sure you factor in extra space for cords, cables, and hoses.

When Renovating Entire Rooms, Upgrade Your Appliances To Match The Theme

Many appliance upgrades occur when a room's design is being renovated. Modernizing a kitchen, for example, requires new a new stove, sink, refrigerator, and oven at the least. In order for the renovation to look professional, you will need to find appliances that match your new theme. Clean, stainless steel appliances would match a modern kitchen.

However, they would not match a rustic, wooden kitchen. Shop around to find a store or vendor that will sell you sets of appliances that match your theme.

Find Energy Efficient Appliances That Will Save You Money

When you are buying your appliances, compare brands to find what appliances will save you the most money. Many higher-end brands compete with each other to create the most efficient, low-energy devices. These appliances will use less energy. This helps the environment and keeps your wallet fatter each month.

The United States Government has a calculator that can help you determine if your new appliance will save you money on electricity. In 2018 when there is a high focus on energy conservation there is little need to waste money buying a high-energy device when so many quality alternatives exist.

Negotiate With The Salesman To Get A Better Price On Your Appliance

Most appliance salesmen have wiggle room when it comes to pricing appliances. According to ConsumerReports.org, only 30% of large appliance consumers attempt to negotiate with salesmen on price. The average savings of consumers who negotiated with a salesman was $98. Whenever possible, work with the salesman to find a price you can both agree on.

Bring cash with you to leverage your negotiations. Offering physical cash increases the likelihood that your offer will be accepted. Besides price, negotiate on delivery fees, installation fees, and financing rates. Many consumers can reduce the overall cost of their appliances by adding purchase resistance to their salesman. Do not let yourself pay full price!

Floor Models Look Just As Good But Come At A Discounted Price

Old floor models need to be moved in order for new models to take their place. Knowing this as a consumer gives you power. You can ask if the floor model is available for sale. More often than not, a salesman is looking to get one sold.

Look for floor models with imperfections in places that will be hidden once the appliance is in your house. You can negotiate the price down based on scratches, small damages in the exterior, and other imperfections in the appliance.

Make Your List Of Needed Features And Use It To Make Purchasing Decisions

Avoid buying appliances out of emotion! It is easy to see that perfect fridge with the ice dispenser and built-in water-filter - but do you need it?

Consumers go over budget because they emotionally invest in features and accessories that do not solve a tangible problem they have. They allow the salesmen to paint a picture of what an extra feature could do.

Avoid this by creating a list. Write down all of the features that you need. Stick to that list when a salesman tries to convince you to take an upgraded, and far more expensive, model. Remind yourself of what you need, and more importantly, what you do not need.

If You Are On A Budget, Work With A Lender To Acquire Financing

If you have good credit, you may be able to secure a loan to purchase appliances. Companies such as Best Buy and Lowes will sell you appliances and help you to secure financing. If your store does not offer you financing, you will need to seek it from a bank or lender.

Look In Magazines, Coupon Websites, And Forums For Deals And Freebies With Appliance Purchases

To attract customers, companies give away freebies and deals such as bonus utensils, free shipping, and extended warranties. These offers can make buying a new appliance a better deal. In the case of shipping and warranties, it can save money and potential heartaches.

Know Your Home's Hookups And Buy Appliances That Match Them

Before you set out to buy any appliances, make a list of all the hookups your home has. Note what appliances you need and map out where they would go. Either mentally or on paper, calculate if you have enough hookups to properly support your new appliance. You can avoid the stress of buying an appliance you cannot use by preparing and mapping out hookups ahead of time.

Buying A New Appliance Does Not Have To Be Stressful

Appliance shopping can be stressful! With so many options out there, it can be difficult finding the right equipment for you. Follow our tips listed above and you will be more prepared when you buy your next appliance.

5 Questions You Need To Ask Before You Decide To Buy A Plot And Create Your Own Perfect Home

Are you sure about closing the deal on that plot?

A lot of couples who want to start a family are. And because of the costs of buying a house, many are opting to just buy a plot and start from there.

This actually puts pressure on you. Even the land you plan to build your home on can determine the long-term success of your project.

So, don’t write that check just yet! Here are five questions you have to ask BEFORE buying a plot for your perfect home

1. Is it located in a disaster-prone area?

Imagine the process of intricate planning to hiring a firm to build your dream house. Now, imagine it all washed away by a nasty flash flood.

What a waste, right?

No matter how beautiful and how sturdy you make your home, you might still need to cough up cash every once in a while if you put it in a disaster-prone area.

That money could have gone on upgrades or getting your kids to better schools.

But aside from storm windows and other preventive tools you can install in your house, there’s even a bigger concern: your family’s safety.

Disasters put people in the face of danger. And keeping the people you love as far away from danger as possible should be always your number one concern.

2. How much is the plot’s current market price?

Although there are a lot of fair dealers out there, it’s not going to hurt to be careful. There still are a lot of people who prey on ignorance and will squeeze as much money out of you as possible.

Instead of rushing into buying a piece of land that you think is cheaper to you, you should still make sure that you’re getting at least a fair deal for it. Who knows? It might even be a lot cheaper than what is being offered to you.

If you don’t know where to start, you can consult a real estate expert to do the works for you. That way, you won’t end up spending a lot more than you should.

3. Can I afford it?

The last thing you want to do is start building your beautiful home but stop the operation in the middle of it all due to the lack of budget.

You may want a big plot in the city, but you shouldn’t get bankrupt doing so. But at the same time, you shouldn’t pass on a great deal just because you don’t have the full amount right now.

And to make sure you get the right balance between quality and cost, consult commercial and private property experts. They’d be able to give you professional advice and make the entire process easier for you.

4. Does it fit the architectural design?

Many people make the mistake of buying first a land in a relatively good location and then worry about how incompatible it is to what they want their house to look like.

That could easily be avoided.

The thing is, the land SHOULD come first before any other aspect of the planning stage. The blueprints made and the materials used are all based on the land.

But if you really have a particular design in mind, make sure it’d work perfectly for your plot. Else, you’d have to cut corners and possibly end up having to deal with home renovations later on.

5 How close to work is it?

Aside from safety, location is also important when we’re talking about work. As of 2016, workers are spending an average of two hours commuting each day.

That’s just the average. So depending on your area, the daily commute can take an even larger chunk of your day.

Even then, experts saw that it was definitely going to be a bigger problem in the future. So, also consider that before buying a plot.

What good is a beautiful home if you’re hardly going to be there, right?

All families want the perfect house to go home to at the end of the day. But before you buy a plot and make your dream home a reality, ask those five questions first. Choosing among endless land prospects isn’t a walk in the park. And by going through those questions, it can be.

Plants to Consider for Your Home

Plants make homes look pretty. They’re like natural home furniture. Not only that, but some are great air filters and humidifiers, which makes them especially good for cold winters when windows and doors are closed shut.

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If you’ve been thinking about getting some plants for your home in the New Year, or you want to get some new ones, consider the following beauties.

Spider Plant

The spider plant, also known as Chlorophytum Comosum, is pretty easy to maintain, doesn’t need much to take care of it, and can hold its own in various conditions. You can also place it anywhere in the kitchen - the windowsill, the kitchen worktop or wherever else. It requires very little pruning and watering so is a pretty independent little thing. The plant is also a dab hand at removing odors and pollutants.

African Spear

The African spear plant, also known as the cylindrical snake plant or Sansevieria Cylindrica, has long green cylinder-like leaves, and is called a snake plant because the patterns on the leaves are snake-like. It doesn’t take much to look after one as it’s a succulent plant (its thick parts/leaves store water like aloe plants). These plants are great for cleaning the air and removing toxins.

English Ivy

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a fairly easy vine plant to look after and grow. Make sure the soil it’s planted in stays moist and that it’s kept where the sunlight isn’t too bright. It can also grow in the shade. It’s apparently also good for removing mold spores in the air of one’s home. If you have pets, it can also decrease fecal matter in the air. It’s said to be good at absorbing formaldehyde, which can be found in certain cleaning products, for instance.

If you have a fence, such as the ones sold by Northland Fence, English Ivy would serve as a good climbing plant to create extra privacy.

Be warned: if you do buy this plant, ensure it’s kept well away from children as their berries and leaves are poisonous when consumed (symptoms include stomachache, a fever, breathing problems and diarrhea). Also be careful if you have sensitive skin (because of the sap). Ivy plants are also toxic for our four-legged pets.

Peace Lily

The gorgeous Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is another plant that’s easy to maintain. Like the English Ivy, the Lily’s good for reducing mold spores in the home. It uses its leaves to absorb the spores, which its roots then use as a food source. The Peace Lily is also good for mildew prevention in the bathroom.

If you want it to bloom more of its beautiful white flowers over time, place it in the light more often.

These are just four house plants of the many to choose from. There are so many other plants you can grace your home with. And what’s great is some of them not only keep you and your home company, but they purify the air for you too, which can only be a good thing.

How To Achieve Debt Relief After A Large Kitchen Renovation

Now that you’ve finished renovating your kitchen thanks to the kitchen remodel loan that you got, the problem you have to solve right now is, how to pay off that loan. A massive kitchen renovation potentially calls for hefty personal loans and of course paying them off, later on, could be very hard. Fortunately, though, there’s a way for you to be free from your large kitchen remodel loan if you are struggling to pay it off. And that is by achieving debt relief.

What is Debt Relief? 

Debt relief is a change in the terms of your debt or the amount that you owe that allows you to put the debt behind you more quickly.

Debt relief seems to be an excellent choice if you are drowning in debt, or if you are struggling to pay your debts (in this case your kitchen remodel loan). If that is the case, you should know how to achieve debt relief.

How to Achieve Debt Relief?

Here are the best ways to weather out your debt crisis:

1. Do-it-yourself or self-payment initiative. 

Know that you can get out of your debt crisis on your own.You have to make smart and tough decisions on how you can pay off your kitchen remodel loan by cutting down on your expenses. There are two ways for you to be able to repay your debts on your own and that includes:

• Identify the expenses that are necessary
• Get rid of anything that is really not needed, at least temporarily, or until all your debts are settled.

Managing your finances correctly will allow you to pay off your monthly payments while not having to compromise on the necessary expenses at home.

2. Consumer credit counselor

If you need help with managing your finances, perhaps talking to a consumer credit counselor will help ease your burden. The counselor will talk to you about all your finances. And then, come up with a debt management plan based on your current financial woes. A debt management plan is a debt solution that you can use to help pay off your debts at a more affordable rate.

• Your counselor will first determine how much you are able to pay back and then try to negotiate with your creditors. Your counselor could try to extend the term or lower your monthly payments based on what payments you can afford to pay. 
• There are also some cases where your consumer credit counselor can try to negotiate with your creditors to reduce the interest rate. This should ease up your monthly payments and be able to pay them consistently.

3. Debt consolidation programs

Another good way to achieve debt relief is by bringing together all your debts into one manageable account. There are main benefits of consolidating your debts into one account.

• Get rid of the high interest rates.
• Have lower monthly payments.
• You can focus on making just one payment every month.

This method, however, does not affect or change your total debt. The total sum of your debt will still be the same, what you did was just bring together all your debts into one account so you can pay them off easily.

4. Debt settlement

Debt settlement was not really considered as a good way of achieving debt relief, at first. But it has lately gained prominence among people who are deep in debts. You can find more on debt settlement companies here.

• In debt settlement, you will hire a debt relief company to negotiate with your creditors on your behalf. The goal here is to pay your creditors a portion of your debt after mutually agreeing to a sum which is less than what you originally owe. 
• By paying off a portion of your debt, your creditor will agree to forgive the rest of your debts. 

Conclusion

Whether you’re struggling to pay off your kitchen remodel loan because of your poor money management skills or because you’ve lost your source of income, you’ll surely love to get rid of them by achieving debt relief.

How To Repair Your Credit For A Kitchen Remodel Loan

If you are asking if you can still get a kitchen remodel loan for your home even though you have a bad credit score or poor credit history. The answer is yes. Yes, you are still entitled for a kitchen remodel loan or any kind home improvement loan even if you have a bad or poor credit history. You just need to repair your credit first before you can secure a loan.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Take a look your credit score or history.

You can’t start repairing your credit score if  you don’t check your credit report first. Remember that you have the right to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months. If you haven’t receive your credit report, be sure to get a copy of it and check it for errors.

Your credit report includes all the data used to calculate your credit score and it may contain errors like:

• Identity errors - errors concerning with your identity
• Incorrect reporting of account status - these are errors concerning about the current status of your account. 
• Data management errors - these are errors where incorrect information are being used on your credit report.
• Balance errors - errors that concerns about your current balance.

You have to check your credit report for any of these errors. If you find an error on your report, you need to dispute them with the credit bureau. Just make sure to bring all the documents needed to support your claim once you go to a credit bureau. These documents will help confirm the errors on your credit report.

2. Start repairing your credit.

Once you’ve dealt with any errors on your credit report, it’s time that you start repairing your credit. Now, there are three main ways to repair your credit and these are:

• Pay all your payments on time.
• Pay any unpaid or overdue debt.
• Avoid getting new credit until your credit score is back up where it needs to be.

To do these things, you need to make some tough, smart decisions with your budget. You have to make sure that you are not spending more than you earn. You can do this by being smart with your budget like:

• List out your regular monthly expenses like rent or mortgage, car payments, and home, care, and health insurance, and subtract it from your current monthly income. 
• Next, list out also all of your other expenses at home like groceries , entertainment, food, and gas expenses. 
• After that, you should create a budget limit for each of your expenses based on your income. Say, your family spends $400 a month for groceries, try limiting that to $300 a month.

This way you should be able to pay all your credit payments consistently while not compromising your other expenses at the same time.

3. Make payments on time.

Your bad credit score could be caused by your late credit payments. Know that your payment history affects your credit score more than any factor. It can affect your credit score by up to 35%. Making credit payments on time is the best way to improve your credit score.

This will also help you to be qualified for a home improvement loan like a kitchen remodel loan. Creditors will be looking at how you’ve made your credit payments recently and base their decision to whether give you the loan or not.

Conclusion

You need to repair your credit and your credit report first, before you can be qualified for a kitchen remodel loan or for any kind of loan. Just keep in mind though, that your credit score will not improve overnight. It will take months or, years even, before it starts to climb back up.